Cops in shock after killing

2008-09-03 16:26

Durban - A senior Durban policeman part of a task team was shot dead in KwaMashu while on duty, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Wednesday.

Superintendent Jay Naicker said 44-year-old Superintendent Frans Bothma and two colleagues were on crime prevention duties in K Section at the time.

"According to the surviving police officials... they noticed a black VW Polo that aroused their suspicions. They immediately turned around and pulled up behind the suspects' vehicle," Naicker said.

The three policemen approached the vehicle and noticed three men inside.

"The policemen instructed the occupants to get out of the vehicle."

One of the occupants alighted and shot the officer with a high calibre rifle. Police returned fire and the suspects sped off in the car.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said the officer was declared dead at the scene.

Naicker said Bothma was a seasoned officer with 26 years service in the police. He was stationed at the Inanda police station and was a team leader with the provincial task team.

"Work colleagues are in shock. They described him as a passionate policeman with extremely good people skills. He was a hard worker as well as a mentor and leader," Naicker said.

The case was handed to the Durban Organised Crime Unit. Police said the gunmen were still at large, but they were confident of making arrests soon.

- SAPA